Popular Woodworking 2009-11 № 179, страница 34
is an issue then a new mini-lathe can be had for less than the price of a used full-sized lathe. Look for a deal that includes some tools and/ or tooling. Avoid the "floor-stand-included" deal if space is a problem. You'll likely be putting your lathe under a bench when it's not in use. One more thing that is very nice to have on a lathe is electronic speed control. That means you can dial the speed up and down while the lathe is running instead of having to stop it to move a drive belt to another pulley. Plus, you get all the speeds in between the pulley arrangements. Tooling. Two fixtures you will want are a live center for the tailstock and a four-jaw chuck for the headstock. A live center will rotate with the wood, decreasing the turning friction at the tailstock. A new mini-lathe will most likely include a live center. Hold off on purchasing a four-jaw chuck if you must, but get a live center any way you can; a dead center (one that doesn't turn) may cause smoking, and it's noisier. A Jacobs chuck for your tailstock is also a great add-on. If you need a hole drilled in the center of something (such as a tool handle), doing that on the lathe is a piece of cake. Start With Basic Tools A basic set of spindle tools is essential. If you acquire some by buying an older used lathe, compare them with the newer tool sets. Older tools tend to be undersized, so replace them if you need to. You will need: Roughing gouge (1" or larger) Shallow gouge (1/4" and :/2") Skew chisel (1/2" and 3fl") Parting tool (3H6") You can use these same tools to turn end-grain bowls and boxes, then add some bowl gouges and scrapers for face-plate work if you get hooked. It's the grain orientation of the work that determines the tool set you will eventually need. The wood grain is oriented along the lathe's bed for spindle work and across the lathe for face-plate work. Sharpen Your Tools & Your Skills Sharp for turning is not the same as sharp for flat work. You'll need a grinder to keep your tools sharp. There are jigs available for sharpening turning tools, but freehand grinding has fewer limitations. I also prefer to use my spindle tools right off the grinder. The hollow grind registers the tool on the work and Resources Turning Basics for Furniture Makers by Steve Shanesy (DVD) WoodworkersBookshop.com Wood Turning: A Foundation Course by Keith Rowley (Book) Amazon.com Turning with Richard Raffan (3-DVD set) WoodworkersBookshop.com The American Association of Woodturners woodturner.org provides the relief that the edge requires to cut with minimal force. Get someone to show you the ropes if you can, invest in some educational DVDs, and join a turning guild if there's one around. You'll be glad you did. PW Stay tuned for Kevin's upcoming article on turning tool handles. Kevin Drake is a graduate of the College of the Redwoods Fine Woodworking program and the owner of Glen-Drake Toolworks. He lives and works in Fort Bragg, Calif. Start with the basics. These tools, a skew, parting tool and gouges will cover your needs for most turning tasks. Versatile gripper. A four-jaw chuck will hold nearly anything, round or square, securely for turning. It also makes mounting work quick and easy. Small is good. Mini-lathes allow any shop to afford (and have room for) a lathe. Without the stand it can be stored below a bench. 44 ■ Popular Woodworking November 2009 |
